Traveling with toddler can be a complete pain in the butt. There’s no other way to say it. Between becoming uncomfortable and bored on long drives, needing and fighting naps, or just not feeling the drive – toddlers in a car can be a handful.
As a toddler mom, I struggle to keep my toddlers happy or even have everything that I might need for diaper changes or blow-outs. So, here’s a few things every toddler mom should keep in their car:
What Things Should Every Toddler Mom Keep in Their Car?
Honestly, it’s going to be different for every mama. These are simply the items that I have found extremely useful while driving around with my two toddlers.
I also suggest keeping everything in a basket that either stays in your car 24/7 or a diaper bag that’s meant for your car – separate from your everyday diaper bags. This prevents you from bringing it out and accidentally leaving it out.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff:
#1. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is extremely important for kids and toddlers to keep their skin healthy and happy. No toddler wants sunburn and no mama wants it either. Keeping sunscreen 24/7 prevents those unexpected sunny days outside with no protection.
#2. Dusting Powder or Baby Powder
I personally prefer to use dusting powder, a talc free version of baby powder – but baby powder serves the purpose too.
#3. Toys
Each of my toddlers have their own toys that stay in the basket and in the car. I try not to let them take it out, that way it’s a novelty and holds their attention longer when they are reintroduced to it.
#4. Diapers
This is a given for toddlers who are either not potty trained yet or are in the process of potty training. Since I have two toddlers, I actually keep two different sizes at all times – and my oldest toddlers diapers are technically pull-ups.
#5. Wipes
For both you and them, wipes come in handy all the time. Messy faces, hands, spills, and everything in between gets a little bit easier to handle when you keep wipes in your car.
#6. Lysol Wipes
You don’t need a lot, but I like to keep one of those purse-size lysol wipes in my car at all times. This is great when we head out to Target or Food Lion and need to wipe down the cart.
#7. Bug Spray
I like to use the all-natural toddler-friendly type, but bug spray is perfect for humid days or days where you’re in and out the car. And it comes in handy when you’re at those family events that you were not prepared for.
#8. Backup Bags
Backup bags are what I call the gallon sized ziplocks with my kids backup stuff. This is their backup clothes – typically a tee and shorts, and if it’s winter then I include a jacket – along with extra shoes. We also keep underwear in my older toddlers backup bag.
We keep these for blowouts, spills, unplanned visits to Gigi’s house where we play with water toys – anything and everything. They’ve come in handy so many times in just the past month that I’m determined to keep a backup bag until they turn 18!
#9. Diaper Cream
The same reason you keep baby powder or dusting powder is the same reason you keep diaper cream. Plus, it always seems like the rash pops up when you’re the furthest away from home!
Building Your Toddler Car Basket
Honestly, the things every toddler mom should keep in their car are not very unique. We, as moms, sometimes have too many things happening at once – or we are overwhelmed and forget.
The main reason this toddler car basket hack works is because it’s a designated spot for these items. If you want to look through my own car basket, check out the video below. Otherwise, keep scrolling, we’re going to break down the backup bags.
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